BRC June Updates: Capital Summit June 12

The BRC has been humming with events serving small businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits in the Inyo, Mono, and surrounding areas.

To help raise visibility for the services offered by the BRC, we would appreciate your follow on Facebook, Instagram, and our new LinkedIn page.

The BRC is also open for one-on-one business guidance by appointment, and our space is available to rent for your next workshop, training, or company event. Please drop us a message to inquire about the space by reaching out to mpicard@sierrabusiness.org.

Thanks for tuning in, we look forward to hearing from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,
Meryl Picard
Business Resource Center Director

Grow as a Leader: Express your interest in an upcoming Leadership Training Program

The BRC is considering bringing a world-class, multi-week leadership skills development program to Bishop, led by an experienced leadership coach and entrepreneur dedicated to helping business owners grow sustainably and lead authentically.

We are seeking your feedback on the program, as well as determining interest in this valuable program. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program and express your interest by June 30.

Eastern Sierra Capital Summit Coming to the BRC June 12, 8 am – 12 pm
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Entrepreneurs looking for money to grow or start their business will have access to dozens of funding options at the free Eastern Sierra Capital Summit.

Host and Bakersfield SBDC director, Kelly Bearden will be joined by presenters in a “reverse shark tank” format where lenders and assistance providers will share information on loans, investment capital, and grants. Topics will include SBA loan programs up to $10 million or more, small micro business loans from $5,000 to $50,000, investment and capital-based programs such as venture capital, crowdfunding, and more.

Co-sponsored by AltaOne Credit Union and the Small Business Development Center at CSU Bakersfield.

Help Inyo County Upgrade your Team’s Skills: Survey Response Requested

ICOE’s Adult Education Program is creating “Flash Courses” for the next school year with the goal of teaching employable skills to workers in our community.

Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey so they can target courses to the needs of business owners in our community.

Upcoming Events:

Empower Hour: One-Page Strategic Plan for Small Business, Entrepreneurs, and Non-Profits
June 18, 2025, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Click here to RSVP

Join the experts from ProActive Leadership Group for a one-hour workshop designed to help your nonprofit create an effective, actionable, one-page strategic plan.

Building Contractors: Connect with Public Agencies & Unlock New Business Opportunities
July 23, 2025, 4-6 p.m. – Dinner Included – Click here to RSVP

General contractors, subcontractors, specialty trade professionals, suppliers, and vendors in the construction industry are invited to attend and:

• Learn How to Work with Public Agencies
• Discover Upcoming Construction & Renovation Projects
• Network with Procurement Officers & Project Managers
• Understand Bidding Requirements & Compliance
• Access Resources for Small & Minority-Owned Businesses

Hosted by: Bishop Unified School District, Caltrans, City of Bishop, County of Inyo, Owens Valley School

First Matriarch Mixer Unites Eastern Sierra’s Women Leaders

The first Matriarch Mixer was held at the BRC on May 16, with more than twenty local businesswomen (pictured in the header image above) coming together for an evening of networking, support, and skills development.

The next Matriarch mixer is slated for September– Stay tuned to the calendar page of the BRC website and invite your fellow Matriarchs to subscribe for this newsletter for details on date, time, and reserving your spot.

Canva Empower Hour

We also had a fantastic time during our Empower Hour! A massive shoutout to Krystina from Chalk Fox Studio for leading an incredible training session. She shared invaluable insights on creating stunning and impactful promotional graphics for your business using Canva.

BRC’s Business Tip of Month

Bakersfield SBDC Webinar Wednesdays: How to Become a Digital Nomad

It’s no secret that the Eastern Sierra is a prize destination for many digital nomads, but, if you’ve been feeling the call of the sea, desert, or simply the open road, check out this webinar to learn about top self-employment business opportunities from the road, equipment and internet considerations, and best ways to manage remotely when Kurt Clark, entrepreneur and retired Executive Director of the Central California Regional SBDC joins host and SBDC director, Kelly Bearden on this week’s free webinar.

Kelly begins the webinar with a look at strategies to start, grow and expand existing businesses, funding ideas, and small business economics.